ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services

ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services Global product certification, inspection and compliance services for Middle East and Africa markets.

ASTC is a global product certification, inspection, and compliance service provider, supporting manufacturers, exporters, and importers in accessing Middle East and African markets. We specialize in Saudi Arabia (SABER / SASO / SFDA), Kenya PVOC (KEBS – Zone-1 China), and regional compliance schemes across Africa, GCC, and international conformity programs. With on-ground technical coordination in

China, Saudi Arabia, and Africa, ASTC provides end-to-end support covering product testing, factory audit, document review, conformity assessment, and shipment clearance assistance. Our services are designed for:

Manufacturers exporting from China

Importers operating in Saudi Arabia and Africa

Trading companies handling multi-country compliance

Core services include:
• Saudi SABER & SASO conformity
• Kenya PVOC (KEBS Zone-1 China)
• Africa COC programs
• GCC & IECEE related conformity
• Factory Audit & Inspection

📩 Message us for case assessment
📲 WhatsApp available for business inquiries

ASTC 是一家全球性的产品认证、检测与合规服务机构，致力于协助制造商、出口商及进口商顺利进入中东及非洲市场。

我们专注于 沙特阿拉伯（SABER / SASO / SFDA）、肯尼亚 PVOC（KEBS 中国区 Zone-1），并覆盖 非洲各国 COC 项目、GCC 及国际合规体系。

ASTC 在 中国、沙特及非洲 均具备实际项目协调经验，可为客户提供从产品测试、工厂审核、文件审核，到合格评定及清关支持的一站式合规服务。

我们的服务对象包括：

中国出口型工厂

沙特及非洲进口商

涉及多国合规的贸易公司

核心服务范围：
• 沙特 SABER / SASO 认证
• 肯尼亚 PVOC（KEBS 中国 Zone-1）
• 非洲 COC 合规项目
• GCC / IECEE 相关合格评定
• 工厂审核与验货

📩 欢迎私信进行合规案例评估
📲 支持 WhatsApp 商务咨询

Recently, we received an inquiry from an exporter shipping an air compressor system to Saudi Arabia.The air compressor h...
16/06/2026

Recently, we received an inquiry from an exporter shipping an air compressor system to Saudi Arabia.

The air compressor had already been registered in SABER, but the accompanying desiccant air dryer had not been included.

This is a common issue with industrial equipment exports.

Many suppliers sell the air compressor and adsorption dryer as one package, but in SABER they are often treated as separate products if they have:

• Different model numbers
• Separate nameplates
• Independent technical specifications

In practice, the compliance structure is often:

✔ Air Compressor → Separate PCoC

✔ Desiccant Air Dryer → Separate PCoC

After both products are registered, the shipment can proceed with SCoC issuance.

For mechanical equipment exported to Saudi Arabia, one of the most common mistakes is assuming that an entire system can be covered by a single product registration.

Before shipment, it is always recommended to verify:

• HS Code
• Product description
• Product models
• Nameplate information
• Applicable SABER category

A few minutes of verification before shipment can prevent costly delays during customs clearance.

If you are exporting industrial machinery, compressors, welding equipment, processing machines, or production line equipment to Saudi Arabia, checking the compliance path early is always a good investment.










Washing Machine Export to Saudi Arabia? Not Every Washing Machine Requires IECEE.One of the most common misunderstanding...
14/06/2026

Washing Machine Export to Saudi Arabia? Not Every Washing Machine Requires IECEE.

One of the most common misunderstandings we see is assuming that all washing machines follow the same certification route.

In practice, the first step is not checking IECEE.

The first step is understanding the product category.

Recently, we reviewed a project under HS Code 845140000000 (Washing, Bleaching or Dyeing Machines).

For commercial washing equipment with a capacity above 14KG, the product may fall under the Machinery Safety Technical Regulation pathway rather than the household appliance pathway.

In such cases, the applicable conformity route can be completely different from standard household washing machines.

The product name may be the same.

The compliance pathway may not be.

Before starting the certification process, it is always worth confirming:

• Product category
• Capacity (KG)
• HS Code
• Applicable technical regulations

In many cases, once the product classification is confirmed, the certification route becomes much clearer.








A coffee grinder export project to Saudi Arabia reminded me of something that is becoming more common in SABER certifica...
12/06/2026

A coffee grinder export project to Saudi Arabia reminded me of something that is becoming more common in SABER certification.

At the beginning, the product was prepared as a household appliance.

The certification route seemed straightforward:

CB Test Report
→ CB Certificate
→ IECEE Recognition Certificate
→ SABER Product Certificate (PC)

The testing was completed and most of the technical documents were already prepared.

However, during the product classification review, we found that the importer intended to declare the product under a commercial-use HS Code.

That single change completely altered the certification pathway.

Instead of following the IECEE route, the product could proceed directly through the Product Certificate (PC) process based on the commercial HS Code.

The earlier CB documents were not wasted, but the certificate ultimately used for customs clearance was the PC issued under the commercial classification.

Over the past few years, this situation has become increasingly common.

Many people assume certification requirements are determined by what a product looks like.

In reality, the certification route is often determined by the HS Code used for import declaration.

The same coffee grinder may require different compliance paths depending on its classification.

One project.
One product.
Two completely different certification routes.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not the test report.

It's the product classification.

Kenya PVoC Update: CoC Unit of Measure Should Follow Import DocumentsKEBS has clarified that the unit of measure shown o...
11/06/2026

Kenya PVoC Update: CoC Unit of Measure Should Follow Import Documents

KEBS has clarified that the unit of measure shown on the CoC should follow the unit declared in the import documents such as the Proforma Invoice, Commercial Invoice and Packing List.

Examples:

• Invoice / Packing List = PCS → CoC can show PCS

• Invoice / Packing List = KGM → CoC should show KGM

This clarification relates to the unit of measure displayed on the CoC only.

It does not introduce a mandatory weighing inspection requirement.

Based on current practice, document consistency remains one of the most important factors during the PVoC process.

A few practical points worth noting:

✔ Products sold by weight should have weighing evidence available, including empty scale and loaded scale photos when required.

✔ For containerized shipments, the final Packing List should reflect the actual loaded weight rather than simply copying the quantity declared on the IDF.

✔ If the actual shipment weight exceeds the weight declared on the IDF, the importer should review the IDF details before shipment to avoid document discrepancies.

In many cases, PVoC delays are not caused by test reports.

They are caused by inconsistencies between shipping documents.

⚠️ Welding Machine Export to Saudi Arabia: One Requirement Many Factories MissRecently, we received an inquiry from a ma...
08/06/2026

⚠️ Welding Machine Export to Saudi Arabia: One Requirement Many Factories Miss

Recently, we received an inquiry from a manufacturer exporting welding machines to Saudi Arabia.

Many exporters assume welding machines follow the same SABER process as ordinary machinery. In practice, there is an important difference that is often overlooked.

For Saudi Arabia clearance, welding machines generally require:

✅ PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity)

✅ SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)

A PCoC is typically valid for 1 year, while an SCoC is required for each shipment.

One common issue is the EMC report.

For many mechanical products, EMC is not a major concern. However, welding machines are electrical products and are often required to provide EMC testing documentation during the SABER certification process.

We frequently see cases where manufacturers have already prepared safety reports, but certification is delayed because an EMC report is missing.

Before starting a SABER application, it is recommended to confirm:

• HS Code

• Product photos

• Nameplate

• User manual

• Safety test reports

• EMC test reports

Requirements may vary depending on the product type and HS Code classification.

If your shipment schedule is tight, checking compliance documents early can help avoid delays during certification and customs clearance.

SONCAP PC2 Rejected? The Product Category May Be the Real ReasonMany exporters assume the only difference between SONCAP...
08/06/2026

SONCAP PC2 Rejected? The Product Category May Be the Real Reason

Many exporters assume the only difference between SONCAP PC1 and PC2 is validity.

PC1 = Single shipment
PC2 = Valid for one year

In practice, the first thing we check is often not the certificate type.

It is the HS Code.

Certain products fall under Nigeria's high-risk product category (PROTEM), which follows different certification requirements from ordinary products.

Common examples include:

• Inverters
• Chargers
• Batteries
• Solar Panels

When an exporter asks whether a product can be registered under PC2, the answer often depends on the product category rather than the application documents.

This is why HS Code verification is usually one of the first steps before discussing the SONCAP route.

Understanding the product classification early can save a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth during the certification process.

The Freight Forwarder Didn't Ask for a Test Report. Does That Mean I Don't Need Tanzania PVoC?I recently came across a d...
02/06/2026

The Freight Forwarder Didn't Ask for a Test Report. Does That Mean I Don't Need Tanzania PVoC?

I recently came across a discussion from a first-time exporter shipping goods to Tanzania.

The exporter was asked by the freight forwarder to provide:

• Application form
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Since production was not completed yet, only preliminary information was submitted.

Then the questions started:

Does my final Commercial Invoice need to match the documents used for the PVoC application?
Will the freight forwarder check all certification requirements for me?
If nobody asks for a test report, does that mean a test report is not required?

These are very common misunderstandings when exporting to African markets for the first time.

One important point many exporters overlook:

Freight forwarders handle logistics.
Certification bodies handle certificate assessment.

These are two completely different processes.

A freight forwarder may focus on:

✔ Shipping arrangements
✔ Export documentation
✔ Transportation requirements

While PVoC assessment may focus on:

✔ Product classification
✔ Test reports
✔ Product labels
✔ Product photos
✔ Consistency of supporting documents

Therefore:

A freight forwarder not requesting a test report does NOT automatically mean that a test report is unnecessary.

Whether testing is required depends on the product category and applicable certification requirements.

Another common issue occurs when exporters submit preliminary Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists during the application stage.

After production is completed, quantities, values, weights, or even model numbers may change.

If final shipment documents differ significantly from certification documents, additional review or document revisions may be required.

In many export projects, problems do not appear during production.

They appear right before shipment.

Understanding certification requirements early can help avoid delays, document revisions, and last-minute surprises.

For many exporters, logistics is only one part of the process.

Document consistency and certification preparation are often the areas where delays occur.





Morocco COC: What Many Exporters Only Realize Before ShipmentMany exporters assume Morocco COC is just another certifica...
24/05/2026

Morocco COC: What Many Exporters Only Realize Before Shipment

Many exporters assume Morocco COC is just another certificate process.

In reality, regulated products exported to Morocco may involve:

HS Code verification
Product testing
System registration
Inspection by notified body
Local authority review

One of the biggest challenges is that the wrong testing standard or inspection failure may lead to rejection.

Another important point:
Morocco currently relies heavily on local notified bodies for review and approval, which makes coordination and system experience very important.

In many cases, the process starts with:

Order entry in the system
Assignment of notified body
Product testing
Importer account registration
Inspection arrangement
COC issuance after approval

For many exporters, the difficulty is not only the certificate itself, but the coordination between testing, inspection, system registration and local review process.





Nigeria SONCAP. Many shipments get delayed because of Form M and HS Code issues.Many exporters think SONCAP is just “one...
10/05/2026

Nigeria SONCAP. Many shipments get delayed because of Form M and HS Code issues.

Many exporters think SONCAP is just “one certificate”.

But in actual Nigeria shipments, the most common problems are usually:

Form M number mismatch
HS Code inconsistency
PC and SC information not matching
Too many models under one shipment
Invoice, B/L and Form M details not aligned

A lot of factories only start asking about SONCAP after cargo is already ready to ship.

At that stage, timelines usually become very tight.

For Nigeria SONCAP process:

PC:
Usually application form + product photos

SC:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Form M
Bill of Lading

Form M number must match with:

PC
Invoice
B/L

Many exporters also misunderstand the charging structure.

In most cases, it is not charged by quantity.
Usually it depends on:

HS Code
Product category
Model quantity

Especially for electrical products, machinery, lighting and industrial equipment, it is better to confirm SONCAP requirements before shipment.





Cosmetics Export to Saudi Arabia.Many Shipments Get Stuck Because SFDA Was Not Done Before ShippingMany exporters think ...
08/05/2026

Cosmetics Export to Saudi Arabia.

Many Shipments Get Stuck Because SFDA Was Not Done Before Shipping

Many exporters think cosmetic products can enter Saudi Arabia with only a test report.

Actually, this is one of the most common misunderstandings.

For most cosmetic shipments to Saudi Arabia today, products need to be registered in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority system before import clearance.

A lot of shipments only realize this after cargo arrives at the port.
Then the shipment gets delayed, additional documents are requested, or clearance is blocked.

In real operation, cosmetics compliance is not just “one certificate”.

The system may review:

Product information
Ingredients
Labels
Shipment documents
Inspection photos
Loading photos

Usually required documents include:

Application Form
Packing List
Invoice
Bill of Lading
Test Report
Full Ingredient Formula
Product Label Artwork
Inspection Photos
Container Loading Photos
CR of Importer

A few common issues:

Every shipment requires documentation again
It is not a one-time process forever.
The applicant on the test report
should match the exporter shown on the Bill of Lading.
Full container shipments
require a yellow seal during loading.
Do not ship all products out at once
Keep 1-2 samples for possible correction requests.

Another important point:

The importer's business license must contain cosmetic or perfume trading activities.

Otherwise, the GHAD account cannot be registered.

The registration process also requires:

Importer verification code
Arabic ID number
System approval process

Label compliance is also a high-frequency issue.

Product labels and packaging should include:

Product Name
Function / Instructions
Warning Information
Storage Instructions

These parts should be in both English and Arabic.

For international brands or famous brands,
brand authorization documents may also be requested during customs clearance.

Especially for:

Perfumes
Skincare products
Makeup products

Many suppliers only ask about compliance after:

Production is finished.
Container is loaded.
Shipment is ready.

At that stage, everything becomes much more passive.

Usually, it is safer to review the label artwork and ingredient formula before mass production.

Address

4264, Ibn Al Mawardi, Al Sulaimaniyah Dist
Riyadh
12242

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+966540487417

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